Over the past several issues of Dirt Toys Magazine, we have chronicled the install of several aftermarket products to Eric Tibbins’ Polaris RZR, dubbed the Backcountry RZR. In this issue Tibbens looks back at all the products he has installed and how each of those aftermarket goodies has worked/performed since the install.
We will start with the Big Gun Exhaust. “I have had it on for quite a while and I must say I have been loving the results,” Tibbens said. “The exhaust, paired with the fuel management system, has added quite a bit more low end torque and there is a huge difference in the throttle response. Everywhere I go I always have people coming up to me to ask what kind of exhaust it is and how much they love the deep throaty sound.”
Next is the Tough Country Bumper. Tibbens said of it, “I must say this is my most favorite part of the build. The bumper has been used in many different ways such as using the receiver hitch on the front to move the ATV trailer around camp and my personal favorite is hooking the duck boat up and using the hitch to move the boat in to the different channels where a truck makes it much more difficult.”
Tibbens also pointed out that the Tough Country bumper also makes the use of the winch so much easier than having the winch mounted behind the radiator. “You can keep an eye on it while winching and also it’s 10 times easier to free spool the winch.”
His conclusion: “These bumpers are a must for anyone who goes into the backcountry and needs the extra protection on the front for blazing their own trails.”
Nailed It
Tibbens also installed a windshield and rear cargo box from Ryfab and Coatings. “I think Ryfab really nailed it with their products,” Tibbens said. “Everyone says to get a half windshield but after having the full windshield for a few months there is no way I would ever go back. It really adds a lot of comfort in driving your rig, especially in the colder months.”
He added, “While out deer and elk hunting it was rainy and cold and without that windshield, it would have been a miserable drive from camp to the trails where we hike in.”
As for the cargo box, he said, “The rear box is also very nice. Often times when we are out hunting and spot a herd of elk we have to ditch the RZR and 9 out of 10 times the expensive spotting scopes or other things we don't feel comfortable leaving behind. But with this full metal box with its better-than-most-locking system really gives you the peace of mind to throw your gear in and be away from the RZR. I have had it in rain, snow and the dustiest of dusty conditions and nothing gets inside. The box and windshield are a must.”
To be able to go the extra mile in his Backcountry RZR, Tibbens also installed Rotopax gas packs and water packs. “These things are awesome and worth every penny,” he said. “I have had other brands that mimic the Rotopax but the mounts are cheap and break and the fuel packs leak a lot. I've had these on for fast bumpy rides and rock crawling at extreme angles and have had zero leaks and the mounts are sturdy, well made and I'm sure will last a long, long time.”
Water And Air
As for the water packs, he pointed out, “The water packs have come in handy multiple times for getting water to camp or just having drinkable water for longer trips. With the storage packs they also gave me a tire patch kit. I had to use it over the last weekend and it worked like a charm. The CO2 cartridges make it nice to get some air in your tire to get you back to camp and be able to get to your compressor.”
And last but not least is the UTV Tech Under Armor. “After having this Under Armor on for a few months and being able to see how much abuse it can take, I am very impressed.” He said if you trail ride or ride on the rocks, this Under Armor is a must. “If you refer back to the pictures from the original article, you will see the difference in coverage. Polaris goes very skimpy on its skid plate. Mine had multiple holes punched through it, large deep scratches and was even torn in some places. I checked under my RZR over the weekend to see how the UTV Tech stuff holds up and I must say I was amazed. I was harder on the under belly than I normally would be to see how it does and it almost looks new. I've slid over everything from logs to boulders. I've never gotten hung up like I used to with the stock skid plate.”
He concluded, “All the products provided to create the Backcountry RZR are awesome and after having them I will definitely be purchasing them in the future if I ever get a new RZR. However, this RZR will remain my go to UTV for a long time to come.”
